Architectural Aspects Of Stupas During The Reign Of King ......Second stupa is Shwezigon, lies on...

ASIA PACIFIC SOCIOLOGICAL ASSOCIATION (APSA) CONFERENCETRANSFORMING SOCIETIES: CONTESTATIONS AND CONVERGENCES IN ASIA AND THE PACIFIC

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" Architectural Aspects Of Stupas During The Reign Of King Narapatisithu InBagan, Myanmar "

Dr. Thet OoPh.D (Architecture)

Associate Professor and Head, Department of Architecture,West Yangon Technological University, Yangon, Myanmar

[email protected]

Dr. Maung HlaingProfessor and Head

Department of ArchitectureYangon Technological University, Yangon, Myanmar

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1. AbstractThe research paper is studied about architectural aspects of stupas that were built during

the reign of King Narapatisithu along Bagan dynasties. The author would like to study these stupasdepending on four factors such as (i) Reflection in the form (ii) Spatial compositions (iii) Structuralaspects and (iv) Decorative aspects. The stupas are classified according to their development ofForm such as Stupas with bulbous shape, Stupas with octagonal basement, Stupas with rectangularbasement, Stupas with circular basement, Stupas with pentagonal basement and Sinhalese typeStupas. Most of the stupas with circular basement, bulbous shape, rectangular basement,pentagonal basement and octagonal basement in the Bagan period were apparently evolved fromthe hemispherical stupa like Sanchi and Amaravali of India. Among them, Dhammayazika Stupa issurpassing example of the Bagan stupas. It was more required in skill for management, estimating,drawing and construction. According to cosmic metaphor and symbol of the five Buddhas, thegeometrically guided layout is the finest expression of the Bagan. There were altogether the stupasthat built in Bagan and the Dhammayazika Stupa is the zenith of Myanmar Religious Architecture.The contribution of this study is the architectural and technological achievements of MyanmarReligious Architecture that reached its peak during the reign of King Narapatisithu (1174-1211 A.D).Myanmar had impressed on special features and their own style from the Indian style. They showedentirely the different appearance of the whole structures from the Indian monuments. They may betraced to the Indian origin by signifying the philosophy of the fine arts. This research paper is studiedthat the architectural typology of Bagan monuments adopted to conform Myanmar style.Furthermore, the research paper is expressed those stupas during the reign of King Narapatisithuwere the most outstanding and famous levels compared with other stupas along Bagan periods.

2. Aims and Objectives

The research paper is aimed to contribute the following objectives.

To study on creation of architectural aspects of stupas those were built during the reign ofKing Narapatisithu


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To express in attempting of the development of architectural aspects of stupas in the reignof the King Narapatisithu

To uplift Myanmar religious architecture

To support the works of conservation and maintenance of these historical buildings in Bagan

3. Scope of the Research Paper

It is to be analyzed architectural aspects of stupas that were built during the reign of KingNarapatisithu. He built many temples, stupas and constructed reservoirs, canals. The regions areBagan, Kyaukse, Monywa, Shwebo, Thayet, Taloke, Aneint, Kale, Kyankhinn, Kanbalu, Sidoktaya,Kyanhnyat, Singu, Samoon, Sagaing and Amyint. Among these places, the area of Bagan is chosen tostudy. The most temples and stupas were built in Bagan than other regions during the reign of KingNarapatisithu.

According to (1) traditional records (2) stone inscriptions and (3) glass palace chronicle, it hasthirteen temples and two stupas during the reign of King Narapatisithu. The architectural aspects ofstupas will study depending on three factors. These are (i) Reflection in the form (ii) Structuralaspects and (iii) Decorative aspects.

Furthermore, these stupas during the reign of King Narapatisithu were the most outstandingand famous levels compared with other stupas along Bagan periods.

4. Method of Approach

The following methods are approached to study architectural aspects of stupas during thereign of king Narapatisithu in Bagan.

Literature review for a brief history of Ancient Bagan Dynasties and Bagan Periods.

Case studies on architectural aspects of stupas built by King NarapatisithuArchitectural aspects of Dhammayazika stupa and Sapada stupa would be analysed with

three aspects.Development and changes of architectural typology of stupas along Bagan periodsConclusions on architectural aspects of stupas during the reign of King Narapatisithu from

the above studies.

5. Terms and Definitions

Stupa: The word ' Patho ' , very common in the inscriptions , usually means much the same as' zedi ' (ceti) which is the derivative of Pali vatthu , ' the ground , the site ' , and therefore it isa solid pagoda .

Recess: The flat dish created plain mouldings or glazed elements utilizing the centre of plinthof a temple or stupa . The conventional English transcription of the Myanmar name is ' HmanKwaet '.

Pediment: The gateway to a temple .


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Flaming arch pediment: The conventional English transcription of the Myanmar name is 'Yama- letnyoe moutanke ' .

Porch: The facade of a pediment .

Terrace: The conventional English transcription of the Myanmar name is ' Pyitsa-yan ' . It liesthe upper parts of a temple .

Accessible terraces: Accessible terraces have flight of steps on each side

Unaccessible terraces: Unaccessible terraces have no flight of steps to climb up on higherterraces .

Sikhara: Sikhara is the uppermost part of a temple .It is also called ' Kwan-taung '.

Chattravali: Chattravali is the uppermost part of a stupa . It consists of the conical spires andthe atwat or metal .

Anda: Anda is the middle portion of a stupa and circular bell- shaped dome.

Medhi: Medhi is the foundation of a stupa and the spreading terraces at the bottom of thestupa .

Relic chamber: In the Sinhalese type stupa , relic chamber is to be found between bell-shapeddome and conical spires.

6. Literature review

Physical Conditions of Bagan

Geographical Conditions

The Bagan lies on the east bank of Irrawaddy River in the dry zone of central Myanmar. It'sarea is about 16 square miles. Visual demarcation of Bagan were demarcated by stupas .

The first stupa is Tantkyitaung stupa that is laying on the top of Tantkyitaung. It lies on thewest of Irrawaddy river from Bagan.

Second stupa is Shwezigon, lies on the edge of hill that covered the river about one mileform west of Nyaung Oo.

Third stupa is Lawkananda. It lies on the south of Thiripyisaya along the river bank which ison the edge of hill that having high and steep form.

Fourth stupa is Tuyintaung pagoda that laying on the top of Tuyintaung.

Within this demarcations, people built many religious buildings in Bagan area.


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Map 1. Geographical conditions of Bagan area

Figure. The Panorama View of Temples and Stupas in Bagan Area

Figure. Bagan Cultural Landscape across from Ayeyarwaddy River


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Climatical Conditions

The people who began Bagan, left from Thayekhittaya old city. So, they looked for goodplaces. The flat plain between Irrawaddy river and Tuyintaung was a suitable place for building as acity.

After leaving from Thayekhittaya old city, the people began to live in Bagan. They could bebuilt as a city with fifty-fifth dynasties and about over 1200 years because of good climate andagriculture. Therefore, they could be built many buildings in Bagan region.

Nowadays, the climate of Bagan is tropical and is generally classified as hot and dry

throughout the year .In the summer,during the day temperature is 43.C and at night, the

temperature is 24.C. In the rainy season the temperature is about 36

.C during the day and about

25.C at night. In the winter, the day temperature is about 30

.C and night temperature is about 10

.C.

Historical Perspectives of Bagan

A Brief History of Bagan

According to the inscriptions ,the literary name of Bagan is Arimaddanapura, " the

conquering city ".1 According to the Glass Palace Chronicle, the land of Bagan can be defined as

"Land of Victory".2 Tradition saying , it was deduced that the name of Bagan was derived from Pyugama. From Pyu gama, it was changed to Pyu gam ,after that Pugam and then to Bagan.

The age of Bagan is 1262 years from A.D 107 to A.D 1369. There were 55 kings who ruled inBagan from King Thamudarit to King Sawmunnit. The first palace site can be considered in "Yun-hlut-Kyun" with king Thamudarit in A.D 107. The palace was transferred to the second palace site

named " Thiripyitsaya " during the reign of King Thinlikyaung, the 7 th King of Bagan dynasties in A.D

344. The 12 th King Thaiktaing transferred the palace site to " Tampawaddy " in A.D 516. Finally , the

34 th King Pyinbya moved the palace in A.D 846 to the existing palace site , the Bagan .


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Map 2. Showing on four places of Royal palace

Socio-economic Conditions

Bagan lies on the heart of Myanmar therefore it was the centre of inland commerce andcontacts of networking. It was also situated at the centre between Assam and Yunnan forcommunication. By the records, there had been foreign relationship with India, China and Sri Lanka.Especially Sri Lanka tended upon the history of Theravada Buddhism.

Agricultrue was Bagan's main economy and cultivation was the general practice of thefarmers. Therefore, networks of irrigations were constructed throughout the kingdom. During thereigns of King Anawrahta and King Narapatisithu, they built dams, reservoirs and canals and theyalso repaired the old reservoirs especially Kyaukse and Minbu. Since those days, the constructionof dams and reservoirs have been managed systematically by the successive Myanmar Kings.

Religious Faiths

Bagan was covered with religious buildings of different sizes and different shapes. Accordingto the stone inscriptions, the donors always mentioned their wishes as to get the Nibbana and tostop the Samsara.

Before King Anawrahta's period, Bagan was influenced by Mahayana practices. KingAnawrahta cleared up those practices. After that, he was initiated the Theravada Buddhism toBagan and he could promote and support the Buddha Sasana to be flourished. The arrival of ShinArahan from Thahton was also regarded the Theravada Buddhism in Bagan. Under the guidance of


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Shin Arahan, he brought the pure form to Buddhist Scriptures from Thahton. Therefore, KingAnawrahta successfully attempted together with the establishment of Theravada Buddhism.

Reasons For Focusing On Temples And Stupa During The Reign Of King Narapatisithu

Reasons for Focusing on the Reign of King Narapatisithu

In Bagan period, Kings built gloriously and proudly temples and stupas to show theirpowerful and glory. These buildings involved various sizes and forms up to the highest and largestbuildings from the smallest buildings. But, we cannot find the buildings that having the same formalthough many structures have in Bagan. Therefore, the grandeur and strangeness architecturaledifices of Bagan is the main key of the glorious of Bagan.

The development architectural edifices of Bagan are divided into three parts.

(i) Early Bagan period (About 1044 AD to 1113 AD)

King Anawrahta to King Kyansittha

(ii) Middle Bagan period (About 1113 AD to 1174 AD)

King Alongsithu to King Naratheinkha

(iii) Late Bagan period (About 1174 AD to 1300 AD)

King Narapatisithu to King Narathihapati 1

Architectural edifices of temples and stupas at early Bagan period were as follows:

These structures were massive forms and had very thick walls and large brick sizes. And, itswere created to get little lighting into the interior spaces. These buildings were almost a singlestorey buildings with low terraces. In addition , these buildings were not proportioned horizontaland vertical heights.

Architectural edifices of temples and stupas at middle Bagan period were as follows:

In this period, the buildings were built more than one storey. This buildings changed intolight and high form. And, it's were used porches and windows at central shrine walls to get lightinginto the interior space. Furthermore, the distinct factor of this period was that inscriptions happenedearly Myanmar letters.

Architectural edifices of temples and stupas at late Bagan period were as follows:

These buildings were almost built above platform and large storey height. And, its were usedlittle thin walls and small brick sizes. In addition , these buildings were used flat terraces withparapet and also used windows and porches to get good lighting at everywhere. It were built uptotwo storey, three storey and four storey, and changed into light form. The distinct factor of this


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period, these buildings were crated not only rectangular forms but also circular and pentagonalforms.

The buildings at first portion of late period continuously conserved architectural edifices oftemples and stupas from early and middle periods. After that, its were made reformation andinvention. In late period, the developments of architectural edifices got the most outstanding andfamous levels.

For example, in the middle period, Thatbyinyu Temple was built with steps by steps. But, itcould not obviously expressed these steps like as the buildings of late period. It was not successful asSulamani Temple of late period in construction of steps by steps. Furthermore, large temples thatreaching the most outstanding and famous level within late period were Sulamani Temple,Gadawpalin Temple and Htilominlo Temple. In addition , Dhammayazika Stupa was a distinct plan inthe late period. It has a pentagonal form, similar with Shwezigon Stupa in early period. This plan-shaped was more required in skill than other rectangular and circular plan - shaped inestimating, drawings and constructions. Therefore, late period architects were very improved inarchitectural skill. Pentagonal plan-shaped temples and stupas had 17 Pagodas in Bagan. Out ofthese pagodas, Dhammayazika was the most massive and largest stupa.

In addition , the development of architectural edifices along Bagan period can be recordedthat early period was influenced with Mon form and late period was influenced with Myanmar form.Because, during the reign of King Kyanzittha inscribed with Mon languages and during the reign ofKing Narapatisithu inscribed with Myanmar languages.

Finally, out of late Kings after Anawrahta, Narapatisithu made good deeds as KingAnawrahta. During this period, he made strange performances that servants were supported withmoney and paddy as monthly salary. In addition , he took equal gold with his five princes’ bodyweights, and commanded them to build five temples that called Myebontha Hpayahla, ChaukHpayahla, Thakyataung Hpayahla, Zakyo Hpayahla and Kazuno Hpayahla. Therefore, he hadperformed good deeds in religious sections. Furthermore, he was the most outstanding and thebest king out of late period kings.

Therefore, we would like to study the creation of architectural aspects of temples and stupasduring the reign of King Narapatisithu from architectural point of view.

Temples and Stupas During the Reign of King Narapatisithu

According to (i) traditional records (ii) stone inscriptions and (iii) glass palace chronicle, wecan know the donors of temples and stupas.

King Narapatisithu built many temples and stupas in the whole country. These buildingswere especially as follows; Thoneluaba Hpayahla in Aneint, Pahtogyi Hpaya in Taloke, ShwetansarHpaya in Shwebo, Myatheintan and Swetaw Hpayas in Thayet, Zedihla Hpaya in Monywa andHpaungdawoo Hpaya in Kyawkse.

After building the above structures, he also built at Kale, Kyankhinn, Kanbalu, Sidoktaya,Kyanhnyat, Singu, Shwebo, Samoon, Sagaing and Amyint townships.


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Temples and stupas during the reign of King Narapatisithu in Bagan were especially asfollow;

The temple were :

- Sulamani Temple

- Guni (south) Temple

- Tatkale Temple

- Kathapa (east) Temple

- Thatthemok Temple

- Kubyauknge (Myinkaba) Temple

- Shwethabeik Temple

- Gawdawpalin Temple

- Tabeikhmauk Temple

- Myebontha Hpayahla Temple

- Kazuno Hpayahla Temple

- Thakyataung Hpayahla Temple , and

- Chauk Hpayahla Temple .

The stupas were:

- Dhammayazika Stupa and- Sapada Stupa

7. Study on Architectural Aspects of Stupas

Study on Dhammayazika Stupa

Dhammayazika stupa is situated on the west side of west Phwasaw village. The stupa wasbuilt by King Narapatisithu in AD 1196. It is a biggest pentagonal monument in Bagan region.


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Figure. Form Composition of Dhammayazika Stupa

Reflection in the Form

It resembles the Shwezigon Stupa and total height is 180 feet. It lies at the centre of a 15-sidedwalled enclosure with five gateways and on a pentagonal platform with five satellite temples.

Figure. Spatial Organization of the Stupa

According to inscription, five satellite temples, housing for five seated Buddha images,dedicated the representing of the five Buddhas of the present world circle who have already


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attained enlightenment, Kakusandha, Konagamana, Kassapa, Gotama and including future Buddha,Maiteya.

Figure. View to Dhammayazika Stupa with Satellite temple

It has five terraces. They are (i) two accessible pentagonal terraces with projections andcomposes corner urns, (ii) one accessible pentagonal terrace with projections and composes cornerstupa, (iii) one 10-sided terrace with projections, and (iv) one circular terrace. Over the terraces,there are sequentially composed with edge of bell, the bell, frieze with ogre heads, decorative belt,upright frieze and decorative motif, bell shaped dome, conical spires and Kha-ye-thi.

Figure. Decorative motifs of the Stupa

In the five satellite temples, it has base with recess. Pediments are flaming arch pedimentswhich have two layers with side land-to pediments. Openings are perforated windows with flamingarch pediments that have one layer with side land-to pediments.


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Figure. Perforated window of Satellite temple

Structural Aspects

It consists of five sided bases, five corners and five angles which have 108 each. Brickmasonry is used with stone reinforcements at the corners.

In the five satellite temples, there are cloister vaults, barrel vaults and flat arches. It is usedby cloister vaults over shrine, barrel vaults over entrance hall and porches, and flat arches overperforated windows. It is used by stone reinforcements at the base corners and also used the stonewindow sills.

Figure. Stone Reinforcement at the Base of the Stupa

Decorative Aspects

Architectural decorations attached to stucco mouldings, glazed decorations and muralpaintings.

Plain stucco mouldings are decorated on the terraces. There are beautiful stucco mouldingson frieze with ogre heads, decorative belt, and upright frieze and decorative motif.


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In the base with recess, there are glazed terracotta Jataka panels which are from the lowestterrace upto the third terrace. The niches along the fourth terrace were decorated with the glazedterracottal tiles as the rhombus shape.

Figure. Glazed Terracotta Jataka panels from the lowest terrace to the third terrace

In the five satellite temples, upper exterior walls are adorned by the frieze with ogre heads.The corner pilasters consist of lower capitals, upper capitals, corner bands, dados, ornate mouldingsand plain mouldings.

In the shrine, mural paintings can be seen as lotus rosace, corner bands and tangent circlepatterns under cloister vaults. It can also be seen as frieze with pointed obovals, dummy pediments,corner pilasters with capital on the walls and as Bodhi tree floral patterns behind the images.

Figure. Tangent Circle Patterns Mural Painting under Cloister vault

In the entrance hall, there are tangent circle patterns under vaults, and frieze with pointedobovals and frames on the walls.

In the porches, there are secant circle patterns under vaults and frames on walls.


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Study on Sapada Stupa

Sapada is situated on the southern sector of Nyaung U which was built in the 12th centuryAD by Sapada who was ordained a monk in Ceylon.

Figure. Approach to Gate way and enclosure wall of the Stupa


It is a Sinhalese type stupa, the model of Thuparama from Anuradhapura in Sri Lanka. Itcommemorates the religious intercourse between Myanmar and Ceylon.

It lies at the centre of an enclosure wall and on a rectangular platform with two gateways oneast and west.

Figure. Form Composition of Sapada Stupa


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It has two circular terraces that are unaccessible terraces which have no flight of steps oneach sides. Over the terraces, there are sequentially composed with edge of bell, bell-shaped dome,relic chamber and conical spires.

Figure. Spatial Organization of the Stupa

The prominent feature is relic chamber being constructed between bell-shaped dome andconical spires.

Structural Aspects

It composes with circular base, circular terraces. The whole stupa is circular shape exceptrelic chamber. Brick masonry abounded with fine plaster carvings.

Decorative Aspects

In the whole stupa, architectural decorations attached to plain stucco mouldings. Thereare beautiful plain stucco mouldings along the two circular terraces, bell-shaped dome, relicchamber and conical spires.

Study on Kazuno Hpayahla

It lies in the south of east Pwasaw village. It was built by King Zeijatheinkha, the youngestson of King Narapatisithu , in AD 1192.


It was a medium sized single building and was a circular temple. It was articulated mainbody called circular bell-shaped dome with four vestibules. It has base with recess in niches and haseast main porch only. Each main entrance's form was pediment with figure at the top. Three nichesentrance's forms were pediment with figure at the top. In addition , foreparts with niches weresituated at each side of niches.


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Figure. Form Composition of Kazuno Hpayahla

The base of main body was a stupa form. It has a circular terrace with dados. And then,circular bell-shaped dome, conical spires and umbrella were placed above this terrace. Furthermore,above foreparts have two square terraces with corner amortizements. And, axial stupas withcircular bell-shaped dome, conical spires and umbrella have above these terraces.

Spatial Compositions

It was located at centre of enclosure walls and was built on a square platform with stairwayon east. It was composed with space-centered system.

Figure. Spatial Organization of Kazuno Hpayahla


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The composition of plan-shaped was different with other temples. It has a east main porchand can enter towards Buddha image. Circular central shrine was placed within circular bell-shapeddome and Buddha image seated on east. Towards main shrine can enter through vestibule andporch. A niche that having seated Buddha image was placed at each side of central shrine. And,niches have on south, north and west foreparts. Standing Buddha images have within north andwest niches except south niche. Small apertures were created at each side of south niche to getlighting and ventilation. These temple was combined with circular shape and rectangular shapes.

Structural Aspects

It was mainly used bricks, stone reinforcements and masonry as materials. It was built withcupola over central shrine and also used with corbelled vault over porches and niches . It was usedwith barrel vault hipped at east end and also used corbelled arches at side niches of central shrine.

Figure. Barrel vault hipped at east entrance

Decorative Aspects

It was decorated with stucco mouldings and mural paintings as decorative elements.

In exterior decorations , it was used stucco mouldings at pediments with ornates ,terraces, cornices, corner pilasters, dados and corner amortizements. Axial stupas above forepartswere gilded with ceramic mosaics . It was decorated plain mouldings at main body and its upperparts were gilded with gold.


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Figure. Stucco mouldings at pediments of Kazuno Hpayahla

In interior decorations , it was decorated throne shape with ceramic mosaics at centralshrine. In mural paintings; it was used square patterns with figures over central shrine. On walls, itwas used plain mouldings.

Figure. Square patterns mural painting with Buddha figures over central shrine

Study on Thakyataung Hpayahla

It lies on the top of Thakyataung that is laying on Tuyintaung ridge. It was built by KingYarzathura, son of King Narapatisithu in AD 1192.

Reflection in the FormIt was a small single-storey temple and has a slightly domed roof over central shrine and

porch. It has base with steps by steps in the whole building and has west main porch only. Westmain porch's form was a simple pediment. And then, circular bell-shaped dome, conical spires andumbrella were placed above the main building.

Spatial Compositions


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It was located at centre of low enclosure walls and was built on a platform with stairways onnorth-east. It was composed with space-centered system.

This temple was faced at west and has large Buddha image facing west into central shrine.Toward central shrine can enter through porch. This porch articulated betweeen interior space andexterior space. Buddha image was placed almost equal space of central shrine. Within the interiorspace, adequate lighting and ventilation can get from porch .

Structural AspectsIt was mainly used bricks, masonry and stone reinforcements as materials. It was built with

cloister vault over shrine and also used with barrel vault over porch.

Decorative AspectsIt was decorated with stucco mouldings as decorative elements.In exterior decorations , it was used plain stucco mouldings at the main body and pediments

and was also decorated gold at slightly domed roof and circular bell-shaped dome, conical spires andumbrella.

In interior decorations , it was decorated with ceramic moasics at throne shape, back ofBuddha image, over porch and central shrine and wallings.

8. The Developments and Changes In Architectural Aspects Of Stupas

Most of the Bagan ancient monuments were built during two and half centuries from 11th

century A.D to 13th century A.D. But some of them were built before 11th century A.D such asBuhpaya, Ngakywenadaung, Paukpinyar and Htupalesutan Stupas.

Chronological Categorizations

Stupas can be categorized by the periods which are assumed to be built.

(i) Pre-Bagan Period (7th Cen. A.D - 10th Cen. A.D)

Buhpaya stupa

Ngakywenadaung stupa

Paukpinyar stupa

Htupalesutan stupa

(ii) King Anawrahta's Reign (1044 A.D - 1077 A.D)

Myinkabazedi stupa

Lawkananda stupa


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Shwesandaw stupa

Shwezigon stupa

(iii) King Sawlu's Reign (1077 A.D - 1084 A.D)

Inn pagoda stupa

(iv) King Kyansittha's Reign (1084 A.D - 1113 A.D)

Min-o-chantha stupa

Stupa No. 1236 , Myinkaba

Myazedi stupa

Shwezedi stupa

(v) King Alaungsithu's Reign ( 1113 A.D - 1160 A.D)

Pyathatshwegu stupa

(vi) King Narapatisithu's Reign (1174 A.D - 1211 A.D)

Dhammayazika stupa

Sapada stupa

(vii) King Htilominlo's Reign (1211 A.D - 1234 A.D)

Saytanagyi stupa

Soemingyi stupa

(viii) King Narathihapate's Reign ( 1255 A.D - 1287 A.D)

Mingalazedi stupa

Stupa types can be classified as follow ;

(i) Stupas with bulbous shape

(ii) Stupas with octagonal basement

(iii) Stupas with rectangular basement

(iv) Stupas with circular basement

(v) Stupas with pentagonal basement

(vi) Sinhalese type Stupas.


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(i) Stupas with Bulbous Shape

Before the reign of King Anawrahta, ancient monuments in Bagan were Buhpaya Stupa ,Ngakywenadaung Stupa , Paukpinyar Stupa , Htupalesutan Stupa and other inner Stupas ofencased pagodas. Those Pyu type pagodas were Stupas with bulbous shape.

The early type of Bagan ancient monuments are very similar to Bawbawgyi , Hpayama andHpayagyi at Srikshetra.

Most of the Stupas with bulbous shape consist of the circular basements, lotus flowers liedbetween circular plinth and bulbous-shaped Stupa and plain conical spires. Ngakywenadaung Stupa,situated to the west of Thatbyinnyu Temple, was covered with green glazed brick. This Stupa isunique monument in Bagan.

Figure. Some examples of Bulbous shape stupas ( Ngakywenadaung Stupa, left and Buphaya Stupa,right )

(ii) Stupas with Octagonal Basement

Most of the Stupas with octagonal basement are built by King Anawrahta in the early 11th

Century A.D such as Myinkabazedi Stupa, Lawkananda Stupa and Tuyintaung Stupa in Bagan.

Some of those type of Stupas are also built by King Sawlu who is the son of King Anawrahtasuch as Innhpaya Stupa near Dhammayangyi Temple. Innhpaya Stupa is a biggest Stupa withoctagonal basement.

The prominent features of the Stupas with octagonal basement are surmounted withelongated bell-shaped dome crowned by conical spires. There is a waist band around the bellshapeddome decorated the frieze with ogre heads in stucco mouldings in those Stupas. Mostly it has threespreading terraces with octagonal sides and flight of steps. Some have at least one terrace withoctagonal sides.


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Figure. Plan shape of Octagonal Basement Stupa (Myinkabazedi Stupa)

Figure. An Example of Octagonal Basement Stupa (Lawkananda Stupa)

(iii) Stupas with Rectangular Basement

Those kind of Stupas can be seen in many places of Bagan. For example, ShwesandawStupa, Shwezigon Stupa, Mingalazedi Stupa , etc.

It consists of rectangular basement which have three spreading terraces and five spreadingterraces. There are accessible terraces and unaccessible terraces in those Stupas. Accessibleterraces have flight of steps on each side with corner stupas. Unaccessible terraces have no flight ofsteps to climb up on higher terraces with corner stupas and usually consist of housing standingBuddha images, seated Buddha images and figure of animals.

Some of those basements consist of so many corners in bricks and sandstones calledKhonanchoe, recess fixed in glazed panels, cornices and crenellated parapets. Some terraces aredecorated with glazed plaques and unglazed plaques depicting scenes from the previous lives ofBuddha, 550 Jataka stories.


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Figure. Plan shape of a Rectangular Basement Stupa (Shwezigon Stupa)

Figure. Some Examples of Rectangular Basement Stupas in Bagan ( Shwezigon Stupa, Left andShwesandaw Stupa, Right )

(iv) Stupas with Circular Basement

This kind of Stupa is very rare in Bagan. A Stupa with circular basement is Stupa No. 2146which is situated to the north-west of Einyakyaung Ngamyethna Temple. Most of the Sinhalese typeStupas and Stupas with bulbous shape consist of the circular basements . The Stupas with circularbasement are surmounted with bell-shaped dome crowned by conical spires.

(v) Stupas with Pentagonal Basements

There are seventeen pentagonal monuments in Bagan . Those kind of monuments consistof two types, pentagonal Temples and Stupas with pentagonal basement. Stupas with pentagonalbasement are very few. There are only two Stupas with pentagonal basement in Bagan .


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Those are Dhammayazika Stupa situated on the west side of west Phwasaw village, built byKing Narapatisithu and a Stupa surmounted with Sinhalese type (Stupa No.1671) in theprecinct of Mahabodhi Temple. Those Stupas consist of five sided bases, five corners and five angles

which have 108° each.

According to inscriptions, the doners who built pentagonal monuments dedicated therepresenting of the five Buddhas of the present world circle who have already attainedenlightenment, Kakusanhda, Konagamana, Kassapa, Gotama and including future Buddha,Maiteya. Dhammayazika Stupa is a biggest pentagonal monuments in Bagan. There are five shrinehalls, housing for five seated Buddha images, decorated with mural paintings on the interior wallsand stucco mouldings on the exterior walls.

A stupa surmounted with Sinhalese type in the enclosure wall of Mahabodhi Temple,consists of five sided base with five niches to place the five seated Buddha images around thebasement of this Stupa. It has a pentagonal basement as well as a Sinhalese type stupa.

Figure. Plan shape of a Pentagonal Basement Stupa in Bagan ( Dhammayazika Stupa)


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Figure. An Example of Pentagonal Basement Stupa ( Dhammayazika Stupa)

(vi) Sinhalese Type Stupas

At Bagan, from King Narapatisithu's reign onwards, if not before, the Sinhalese type Stupaswere constructed after the model of Thuparama from Anuradhapura in Sri Lanka. For example,Sapada Stupa , Sapadaw Stupa , Saytanagyi Stupa, etc.

The prominent feature of Sinhalese type Stupa is relic chamber that beingconstructed between bell-shaped dome and conical spires. Some of the basement of Sinhalese typesare Stupas with circular basement while some are Stupas with rectangular basement. Some of itsbasement are decorated with elephant heads and Kalasa pots alternately.

In Bagan, Saytanagyi Stupa situated on the southern end of Bagan cultural region, is abiggest Sinhalese type Stupa with the five terraces which are one circular terrace, one octagonalterrace and three square terraces. All of the terraces are unaccessible terrace which has no flight ofsteps on each side. One thirty nine elephant heads and one forty Kalasa pots on each side weredecorated along the basement.


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Figure. An Example of Plan Shape of Sinhalese Type Stupa in Bagan ( Sapada Stupa )

Figure. Some Examples of Sinhalese Type Stupas in Bagan (Saytanagyi Stupa, Left and Sapada Stupa,Right )

Conclusions of the Stupa Development

On the whole, the chief parts of a Stupa are (i) Chattravali, (ii) Anda and (iii) Medhi. In theSinhalese type Stupas, relic chamber is to be found between bell-shaped dome and conical spires.

Chattravali consists of the conical spires and the Atwat or metal crown. Anda is circular bell-shpaed dome and Medhi is the spreading terraces at the bottom of the Stupas.

In the early period, Myinkabazedi Stupa donated by King Anawrahta, was built directly onthe platform. It was seem that without spreading terraces although it has one octagonal terrace andone circular terrace. It has not consisted of medial stairways.


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In Lawkananda Stupa, another donation of King Anawrahta, had the three octagonalterraces, two low 16-sided terraces and medial stairways but the terraces were not given priority.The height of the spreading terraces, the Medhi, is nearly equal to the height of the upper parts, theAnda and Chattravali.

In the Myinkabazedi Stupa and Lawkananda Stupa, there is seemed to be the bulbous formthat gives priority of the upper parts which are the Anda and the Chattravali.

In the Shwesandaw Stupa, another donation of King Anawrahta, has five square terracesthat are tall and steen terraces with medial stairways and two low octagonal terraces. In this Stupa,the Medhi is given priority and higher than the Anda and the Chattravali. Therefore, composition ofthe form is far removed from the early bulbous form and it can be seemed as conical form.

All of the above Stupas, they had not the corner Stupas, corner urns and corneramortizements, therefore they are clearly isolated.

Shwezigon Stupa is different from the Shwesandaw Stupa. Shwezigon Stupa which hascorner Stupas, corner urns and corner amortizements, is the more massive type and thick circularmouldings run around the Chattravali.

Dhammayazika Stupa is surpassing example of the Bagan Stupas. According to cosmicmetaphor and symbol of the five Buddhas, the geometrically guided lay-out is the finest expressionof the Bagan. The five satellite temples with shrines which is set by placing the easternmost shrinedirectly on the north-south axis and attached to the plinth of the Stupa. Therefore, the Stupa isseemingly revolved and unified of the whole scheme. At the Shwezigon Stupa, the shrines aredetached and set at the cardinal points from the base.

Mingalazedi Stupa was the last great Bagan monument and built in 1284 A.D by KingNarathihapate. It resembles the Shwezigon Stupa but lies on a high platform which is ornamentedwith glazed plaques with stone pavement and four stairways.

There were altogether the Stupas that built in Bagan and the Dhammayazika Stupa is thezenith of Myanmar Religious Architecture.

9. Conclusions

On reviewing the study on architectural aspects of temples and stupas during the reign ofKing Narapatisithu, three main factors can be viewed as follows;

(i) the reflections of the historical background in the reign of King Narapatisithu

(ii) the special features and ideas of creative ability during the reign of study

(iii) the developments and changes in architectural typology of temples and stupas atBagan.


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During the reign of King Narapatisithu who built the most monuments than the other reigns.And then, early Bagan monuments were built in the city and nearby. In the reign of KingNarapatisithu, monuments were built the new places beyond the city. According to stoneinscriptions, they were built at Myinkaba, Minnanthu, east and west Pwasaw especially towards theTuyintaung. King Narapatisithu also built many temples and stupas in the other places such asKyaukse, Monywa, Shwebo, Thayet, Taloke, Aneint, Kale, Kyankhin, Kanbalu, Sidoktaya, Kyanhnyat,Singu, Samoon, Sagaing and Amyint. It can imagine that King Narapa tisithu purposed to spread outhis power in these places.

Although the architectural aspects in early Bagan were conserved, there were manyinventiveness during the reign of study. They built the temples not only one or two storeys but alsothree and four storeys. After that , they built the temples and stupas on the platform whichshowed the distinctive features of the philosophy of Buddhism and their powers. And then, not onlyrectangular plan - shaped but also pentagonal and circular plan - shaped were built. Among them,the pentagonal plan - shaped was more required in skill for estimating, drawing and construction. Inthe decorative aspects, they also invented as the line drawing with symbolical of stylistic.

In the Bagan period, two and half centuries (Between the reign of King Anawrahta andNarathihapate), Bagan reached the zenith of its power. In this period, Myanmar Arts andArchitecture passed through a golden age. In early Bagan period, they built mostly stupas and onestoreyed temples with curvilinear roof. And then, they provided with perforated windows to admitlight into the temples. In the later Bagan period, they built temples as high as possible with two orthree or four storeys with flat terraces. During the reign of King Narapatisithu, the architecturalaspects were changed and underdeveloped.

This research paper hopes to convey the architectural and technological achievementsof Myanmar Religious Architecture that reached its peak during the reign of KingNarapatisithu (1174 A .D -1211A .D) .

10. References

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Aung Kyaing, Minbu. 1997. "Architecture of Bagan ancient monuments". Sarpay Beikman, Yangon.

Ba Shin, Bo Mhu. 1969. "The process of developments and changes in art and architecture of Pagan". InJournal of Union of Burma life science.

Khin Maung Nyunt, Dr. 1986. " Glimpses of glorious Bagan". Yangon.

Lu Pe Win, U. 1975. " Pictorial guide to Pagan". Yangon.

Lwin Aung, Dr. 1974. "Space and mass composition of Pagan monuments". University magazine(science), Vol.9.

Luce, G.H. 1969. ” Old Burma early Pagan". Vol.I, N.Y.

Myo Nyunt Aung, U. 2003. "Architectural and decorative motifs of Bagan monuments in Myanmar". Researchpaper, Department of Archaeology.

Myo Nyunt, U. 1999. " Art and architecture of monuments in ancient Bagan". Yangon.


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Min Thet Mon, Ma. 1998. "Appreciation of reflections of Buddhism in early Bagan period". M.Arch. (Thesis).Yangon Technological University.

Nyein Lwin, U. Win Maung, U. Hydson, Bod. "Digging for Myths: Archaeological excavations and surveys ofthe legendary nineteen founding villages of Bagan".

Pichard, Pierre. "Inventory of Monuments at Pagan". UNDP/UNESCO, Vol.I to Vol.VI.Pe Maung Tin, U. Luce, G.H. 1960 (Reprint). "The Glass Palace Chronicle (tr)". Burma Research Society,

Rangoon,Strachan, Paul. 1989. "Pagan, Art and Architecture of old Burma, Arran".

Sein Tin, Thatkatho. 2001. "Bagan Shar Pon Taw-2 (Anantathuyiya, Narapatisithu and Wailuwaddy)". ArmanthitSarpay.

Than Tun, Dr. 2002. "Khit Haung Myanmar Yazawin". Studies in Myanmar history number one.

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